Hi again, Randy.
I think I owe you something of an apology. After writing my last comment to you about this post, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I just revisited your reply to my first comment, and it suddenly dawned on me that at least part of that reply was in jest. I didn't see that at first.
Upon re-reading my counter-response, I realize that what I thought was even an even-handed and fair reply comes across as being a little mean-spirited.
You must forgive me. I am not myself all of the time these days. I'm not used to this stress I've been going through as of late.

Hi Randy,
I was a little taken aback by your reply to my comment on this post. I guess I just thought that folks know the difference between being spiritual and being religious.
You're right; I don't go to church. Although I think I believe in a "higher power" most of the time, I know I definitely do not subscribe to any of the nan'made trappings of an formal religion. What I know is that, when I see a spectacular sunrise, or I am on the sea witnessing the awesome power and beauty of nature, I feel in my heart that there is something more than me in the universe. It is a very private and solitary feeling and "reverance", if you will that is quite different from the sacraments and vestiges of my Polish Catholic upbringing.
Your comment to me of "Perhaps some day you'll see the light in reason and common and sense" disturbed me a bit. Where is the "tolerance" in that statement? I think I missed it. It sounds to me more like an arrogant and condescending put-down. Are you SURE you're right on this topic? Because I must admit that I am not sure about this topic at all.
Perhaps you can explain to me what is unintelligent about searching and admitting that you are not sure one way or the other on this topic. That's where I am.

My Mary was a regular church-goer. She was even a youth group leader. I cured her. (It's not that I'm an atheist; I'm not. I'm pretty sure I believe in some sort of higher power most of the time. I'm just not religious.)

Good to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave... It's your choice of whatever you believe. I have two very, very good friends who are very, VERY strong believers. One goes to church 3 times a week. They both married non-believers. One of these friends is no longer alive, having had an aggressive cancer, but she went to her God in peace. Her husband is still a non-believer, married now to one of her best friends, who is also a very strong believer. I don't think the state of your belief system is a big factor these days. Good luck to you in whatever you do...

Don't write women off just because they are spiritual/ religious. Some of us accept and respect the right to question. Some of us are not judgmental, and don't think a non-believer is the anti-Christ or the road to Hell. I know what it is like to be dismissed for a single belief or behavior. I am a smoker, and even though I don't fill non-smokers houses or cars with my smoke, that single behavior seems to negate every other thing about me, no matter how wonderful a trait it may be. I guess I am advocating tolerance. Know that many religious women are tolerant too, especially if they are kind and compassionate- and sincere.

You are probably right about it being higher for women. You should still go for it if you are interested. As a Christian she can just pray really hard that God will touch your life and you will become a Christian.
You never know, maybe you can convert her with your "where goeth reason" essay! I do believe in God and I will admit you had some valid points.

Well, here's a thought: Why not start an Atheist's Singles Club.
If no one burns a cross on your lawn, you might meet some
interesting people. A related angle: When we got down to SW Florida,
Ed saw an ad in the same shopper "Jewish Social Club". He was amazed -- thought he was sort of alone. He called the numbers. It was one
old guy in a wheelchair.

People of different faiths get married all the time.I can't see why an atheist and a believer couldn't make things work.Now a Holy Roller and an atheist-NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!Laurie

I believe but my husband does not. He says how can you believe in something that no one has ever seen. Even though I believe, I am not a regular church goer. Sitting in church every Sunday does not necessarily make you a Christian. My bosses sister-in-law, a die hard Southern Baptist, would get him to buy her liquor every Friday 'cause she did not want a church member see her in a liquor store. I don't have a difficult time with a non-believer, I have a difficult time with a hypocrite.

As I said in your first post, it's a taking care of you in your old age is a good job for Lucy... I expect you'll outlive me!

I believed you in the first "Getting Religion" post...

WOWOWOWOWOWOW.....is all I can say this morning!!!!! A wonderful friend of mine can hardly BELIEVE that I am an ATHEIST!!! She'll say funny comments like...."how could that be coincidental??!!!" Both of my daughters believe in god and that is what works for them. I have even had to ask friends to please STOP sending any forwards about god this god that....thank goodness for delete!! It worries me that it is so woven into EVERYTHING!!!!! It makes me cringe when I hear political folks talking about god this god that!!?? Anyhow, friend great post and you will find a woman who will appreciate YOU and your beliefs!! Barb